Although Tremblay departed protesting his innocence the resignation came in response to damaging allegations that collusion and bribery were commonplace under his administration.

(Much more on the subject of corruption in Quebec, particularly the work of the Charbonneau commission, can be found here.)

Because there was less than a year remaining in Tremblay’s term, it fell to Montreal’s city council to select an interim mayor.

According to CBC news, Independent City Councillor Michael Applebaum, and Union Montréal’s official candidate Richard Deschamps were the only two running for that slot by the Nov 15th deadline. Applebaum nudged out Deschamps, 31 votes to 29 in the Nov 16th vote.

Applebaum was only sworn in on Monday but the Globe and Mail editorial is hailing his selection, calling Applebaum an “experienced, independent, fluently bilingual councillor who has vowed to build bridges and repair the city’s shattered reputation.”